Klopp fancies Monaco midfielder

LIVERPOOL have entered into negotiations to sign Thomas Lemar from Monaco in the summer transfer window, according to reports in France.

The midfielder has scored five goals in 18 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit since making his debut for them in 2015 but is now being heavily linked with a move to Anfield.

L’Equipe claim: “Liverpool have made an official enquiry for the youngster by contacting his representatives.

“It’s understood the Merseyside outfit were interested in Lemar before he moved from Caen to Monaco last year.”

If the speculation is true, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp may be looking to bring in 20-year-old Lemar to replace Joe Allen who continues to find first-team opportunities limited despite impressing when he has been given a chance following Klopp’s arrival.

However, Lemar would not come cheap, with Monaco believed to be looking for a similar fee to the one which they received when Anthony Martial moved to Manchester United last summer.

With add-ons, Martial could end up costing the Red Devils £58million.

Even if Liverpool are prepared to fork out such a sum, they face stiff opposition for Lemar’s services with Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich also keen on the France Under-21 international.